"Beyond their individual programmes, these four buildings strive to make a significant contribution to the wider urban fabric around them," said Manon Mollard, editor of The Architectural Review.

Xu of DnA won the 2019 Moira Gemmill Prize for Emerging Architecture. Photograph by Wang Ziling

Xu won the Moira Gemmill Prize for Emerging Architecture, which is named after the late director of design at the V&A. It awards £10,000 each year to a woman designer under the age of 45 on the basis of their achievements and completed projects.

Xu founded DnA (Design and Architecture) and is based in Beijing. Buildings designed by her include a bridge that connects two communities together, a brown sugar factory, a tofu factory, the Hakka Indenture Museum, and the Wang Jing Memorial Hall.

Tofu Factory is one of Xu's key projects with her studio DnA. Photograph by Wang Ziling

"There is an effortlessness, maturity and deftness about Xu's work," said the judges.

"Her projects are all deeply contextual, and executed with bravery and conviction. She is attempting to work in a sustainable way with an entrepreneurial spirit, and has clearly had a very positive impact on her client."

The other emerging architects shortlisted were Lina Ghotmeh of Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, Irene Pérez of TEd'A Arquitectes, and Jeannette Kuo of Karamuk Kuo.

Liz Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro was also recognised in the 2019 Women in Architecture Awards, receiving the Jane Drew Prize for an architect whose work has raised the profile of women in architecture. The Ada Louise Huxtable Prize 2019, which recognises those working in the wider architectural industry, went to Swiss-French architectural photographer Hélène Binet.

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